Since my grandmother had cancer, does that mean I'll have it as well?!

So much misinformation in these answers! (Not in Spreedog's answer, obviously.)

No, it does not mean you will have cancer too.

Hereditary cancer is rare - fewer than 10% of all cancer cases, all types, are hereditary. Cancer diagnosed after the age of 50 is even less likely to be hereditary, Breast, colon and other types of cancer that have been mentioned are no more likely to be hereditary than any other kind - only 5 - 10% of all breast cancer cases are hereditary, for example.

You don't inherit a general tendency to develop cancer, and there's no general 'cancer gene'. One second degree relative having had cancer does NOT increase you risk. With one in two men and one in three women developing cancer in their lifetime, it's a rare family indeed that hasn't had one, two three or more members with non-hereditary cancer.

A sign that cancer MIGHT (only might) be hereditary within a family is when SEVERAL members of the same side of that family have had the SAME type of cancer, especially if some developed it at a younger than usual age.

So - nothing in the information you've given to suggest that you are at any increased risk of any type of cancer.

If your grand mother and mother have type 2 diabetes, then you have diabetic genes. But diabetic genes are not enough on their own to cause you to develop type 2 diabetes. There has to be another trigger, and being significantly overweight is the major one - though not the only one by any means.

You will minimise your chances of developing it if you exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.

I have type 2 diabetes; as it's hereditary, it means that the genes are in my family - yet no other member of either side of my family has, as far as we know, ever developed it.

Someone has told you you won't develop cancer if you have a healthy diet - absolute rubbish. Cancer affects the healthy and the unhealthy alike - junk food addicts and organic veg munching vegans, couch potatoes and athletes. Nobody knows why of two people with the same risk factors (or lack of them) one will develop cancer and the other won't.

Still, I used to believe the same thing; I thought - when I thought about it at all - that my healthy, largely organic vegan diet, plus the facts that I have never smoked and exercised regularly, would protect me against cancer.

Diagnosis of advanced aggressive cancer proved me wrong.

You are probably more likely to develop diabetes, especially if you are overweight and inactive. Certain cancers tend to run in families, but most cancers are not directly inherited. Colon, breast, ovarian, pancreatic and prostate, are often seen in a family line. There is genetic testing available now for certain cancers like breast, but still most women who get breast cancer do not have the gene for it. And there is progress in the treatment of most cancers, so just because you may develop it, doesn't mean you'll necessarily die from it. Keep a positive attitude, and live a healthy lifestyle.

Registered Nurse

Depends what kind of cancer. Colon cancer and breast cancer can be genetic, but that doesn't mean you absolutely will have it. Just stay healthy and eat an organic diet. Also, diabetes also can be genetic, but same deal with cancer, you won't have it if you have a healthy diet. I especially recommend maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding sugary beverages for diabetes.

Data from the ACS (American Cancer Society) indicates that over a normal life span in the USA, half of men will develop one of the many types of cancer and one of every three women will be diagnosed with a malignancy. Most are cured - some two thirds of all diagnosed cancers are being cured right now with early detection and surgery.
The vast majority of people in the U.S. have a grandparent with some type of cancer. There are over 200 types of cancer, and the older people get the more likely they are to have some type of cancer.

MD hematologist and medical oncologist - cancer and leukemia specialist physician for 20 years

It means you are in risk group. You need to lower the chances by eating healthy, sleeping well and exercising.

not necessarily but you have to be healthy to avoid it!!

read a bout : open the third & fourth link on : Www.cancer-tips.info